How to Remove Hard Skin from Feet

Nobody wants thick or dead skin on the feet. While our feet are designed to withstand different types of terrain, sometimes that is taken to extremes. What’s the result? A hardened skin on the soles, that also comes with possible corns and calluses, needs to be removed.

When things like calluses develop, hard skin can go from a minor frustration to an unsightly problem. Unfortunately, most of us don’t pay much attention to our feet until a problem arises. We then seek solutions to remove tough skin so we can have soft and supple feet again.

Thickened skin on feet is fairly common. Because of that, there are some effective removal techniques. If you let hard skin build up over time (it mainly affects the ball of the foot), it can start to cause discomfort.

This article will cover some of the common causes. Then, we’ll go over some of the best ways to remove hard skin from feet, which we believe is the Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File. These solutions will leave them feeling soft and healthy and can help to take away any discomfort from rough that has built up.

What Causes Rough Skin on the Ball of the Foot?

Having some hard skin on the bottom of the feet isn’t always a bad thing. It develops over time to offer protection from daily wear and tear. However, a buildup of this rough texture can create discomfort, and become unsightly. So, what causes it to begin with?

Some of the common causes include the following:

Ill-fitted shoes

Pressure and friction

Too much weight

Toe abnormalities

The most common problem within these issues is usually a combination of excess weight, and too much pressure and friction. Our feet are designed to balance our body’s weight evenly. If that weight isn’t distributed evenly it can cause excess pressure on the foot. If a callus starts to form, and there is too much weight put on it, it can become painful.

Friction from shoes is another common issue that causes thickened skin. When excess friction is developed over time, your feet respond naturally by creating tougher layers of skin for protection. While this is a natural defense mechanism of your body to protect your feet, too much callusing can often cause bigger, more painful problems.

Lifestyle Choices That Cause Thick Skin on the Feet

Before discussing the removal of hard skin on feet, we’ll first look at what might be causing it. A great place to start is checking your closet. If you have a pair of shoes that you regularly wear, and they don’t fit properly, they are likely candidate. If you don’t remove the source, the buildup will continue to occur, even after you cure the problem.

You also need to look at your lifestyle, and whether or not it might be causing the rough skin on your feet. If you’re very active, it’s important to have the right shoes, so you create as little friction and pressure on your feet as possible. Start by removing the factors that are causing the calluses and getting rid of them will become much easier.

Good Home Solutions for Callused Feet

Most of the time, you can remove hard skin at home. We’ll look at the best solution for getting rid of thick skin on your feet, so you can experience relief from discomfort, and that rough, yellowish skin that has built up.

Use the following steps to safely soften, and remove callused skin:

First, soak your feet in warm water. You can do this in the tub, or use a specialized foot bath and spa machine. Use warm water, and Epsom salts if desired. Don’t add soap to your foot soak, as it can actually dry out your skin and make the calluses even worse.

Use a pumice stone to rub hardened, thick areas of skin. A pumice stone is nothing more than a scrubbing device made of things like volcanic rock. It’s very abrasive but gentle enough to be used on the skin. When rubbed against hard skin, it can remove the top layer, and gently exfoliate the skin underneath. Be careful not to rub too hard, or rub the stone against the softer skin. If you do, it can be painful.

Rinse the pumice stone regularly while using it. Not only will it make it more effective during use, but it will elongate the life of the stone itself. Each time you rinse it, you’re rinsing away dead skin cells and other debris.

Once your feet have been rinsed, dry them off completely. Then, apply a moisturizing agent. This should be done as soon as possible after soaking them. For better results, use an oil-based ointment. Avoid getting any type of moisturizer between your toes. Too much moisture around the toes can put you at risk for a fungal infection.

Apply petroleum jelly onto your feet, and cover them with socks overnight. In the morning, you can rinse them off with warm water, and dry completely.

What Are the Best Hard Skin Removal Products?

There are several products on the market specifically designed to get rid of rough skin on the bottom of your feet. One of the best products for this is the Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File. It safely and gently buffs away hard, callused skin to reveal soft feet underneath.

The Amope foot file is made with diamond crystals. They work similarly to a pumice stone, but the shape and design of the file make it easier than ever to safely buff away your skin without the risk of rubbing too hard or risking pain.

If you do choose to use a hard skin removal product, like a foot file, it’s not necessary to follow the softening steps above. In fact, soaking your feet before using a foot file can actually make it more difficult for the product to effectively buff away the hardened skin.

What Things Should You Avoid?

Removing the thick skin on your feet at home is relatively safe. However, there are some precautions you should take before trying any home remedies. The most important thing to remember is to never use sharp objects on your skin.

If you’re dealing with callused skin or even corns, it can be tempting to cut it off. You may have even watched your podiatrist do something similar. It is never safe to try this on your own at home. If you don’t use the proper instruments, or they aren’t sterilized, you could open yourself up to potential infection.

You could also cut too much skin, and create open wounds that bleed. Not only is that dangerous, but it’ll likely cause more pain and discomfort than your hard skin did in the first place. When treating thick skin on your feet at home, follow the right steps, and use the right tools in order to be perfectly safe.

Should I See a Podiatrist?

Again, removing hard skin from your feet can typically be done at home, and it’s a fairly easy process if you follow the correct steps. You can see a podiatrist at any time if you’re not comfortable removing this skin by yourself.

However, it’s not typically necessary unless the hardened skin has also become painful. Or, if you’re worried there may be an underlying condition or deformity causing the problem. If you feel as though the thick skin on your feet is the result of something abnormal, it’s never a bad idea to see a podiatrist for answers.

How to Achieve Healthy & Soft Feet Again

As you can see, the process for removing hard skin from your feet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right process and the right tools, you can have healthy feet and soft skin. If you’re not ready to try it for yourself, contact your podiatrist to make sure the process is performed correctly.

The best thing you can do is to regularly pay attention to your feet, and limit the risk of a hard skin build up. Thickened skin happens over time, and no matter the underlying cause, neglecting it for too long is what can cause it to become discolored and even painful at times.

By regularly moisturizing your feet, wearing the right shoes, and paying attention to the overall health of your skin, you can help to prevent hard skin from forming. If it does, softening it, and eventually removing it with the Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File can be simple.